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QUESTION: Are there specific prayers that are said at an unveiling and do we need a rabbi to officiate?

B.D., Cranston

Dear B.D.,

Generally, psalms are recited, followed by a few words about the deceased, the actual unveiling of the monument, the El Malei Rachamim and the Kaddish. Traditional Judaism requires a minyan for Kaddish.

The second part of the question depends on whether or not a member of the family or a close friend would officiate or if the family would be more comfortable with a rabbi. We have booklets available to families with the prayers previously mentioned.